GASGAS/KX500 SALUTE TO HORSEPOWER! ALL-NEW 2027 MX BIKES FROM BETA & DUCATI
Pick up a copy of the September 2026 issue of Dirt Bike Magazine. What’s Inside the Dirt Bike Magazine September 2026 Issue
If you don’t already have the September issue of Dirt Bike Magazine, it’s time to get your hands on one and dive into everything you’ve missed. The greatest Hits and Misses of the 21st Century takes a look at all the best and worst bikes we’ve seen in the past 26 years. It’s guaranteed to start arguments, so be sure to read this with friends.
Catch the latest 2027 MX reveals from Beta, Ducati and Fantic, and then feast your eyes on the Red Reaper Two-Stroke Project build and see what happens when you cross a Kawasaki KX500 engine with a modern GasGas rolling chassis. The September issue is also full of feature stories, including a then-and-now interview with father-son duo Gunnar and Lars Lindstrom, both industry icons with perspectives on the history of the sport, and the future. Ever wonder what it would be like to jump out of a plane with a dirt bike strapped to your chest? Neither have we, but you can read all about it. Also meet the women of the WMX series, and read up on the KTM 950 Rally, the beast that was banned by Dakar. Catch up with our Adventure testing with the Moto Morini X-Cape 1200. We also headed to the Pacific Northwest for the Giant Loop Rally and compared the Kawasaki KLR and KLE adventure bikes.
SUBSCRIBE TO DIRT BIKE MAGAZINE here and get one sent right to your mailbox every month. Or grab a digital subscription for only $9.99/year. 2027 MX Reveals and Project Bikes: Beta, Ducati, Fantic, and the Red Reaper KX500 Build (above Bikes section)
34 — FROM ITALY WITH LOVE
Europe has rediscovered motocross, and Italy is leading the charge into the knobby world. Beta and Ducati have revealed more MX bikes, while Fantic continues its off-road endeavor. 40 — RIDE SHOP KX500
With all the focus on Kawasaki‘s new-age two-stroke, the guys at Ride Shop decided to show off what they can do with the previous Kawi two-stroke. 52 — KTM 125 PROJECT
If you find someone who doesn’t love riding 125 two-strokes, he probably doesn’t like anything, and you should refer him to a good analyst.
Projects like this KTM might fix him, though. 70 — PROJECT BIKE SPOTLIGHT
At one time, we claimed the Suzuki RM250 was the best bargain in the used-bike world. Not anymore. They now command a premium price because they can be made to look this good.
Adventure Riding: Moto Morini X-Cape 1200 and Kawasaki KLR vs. KLE in the Pacific Northwest (above Adventure section)
58 — MOTO MORINI X-CAPE 1200
What happens when you combine Italian engineering, Asian manufacturing, tons of horsepower and every feature imaginable? Twist the throttle to find out. 60 — THE GOODS
Every month, we take this opportunity to present a handful of ways to make everyday adventures a little more accessible. 86 — KLR VS. KLE VS. THE GREAT NORTHWEST
Kawasaki has doubled up in the middleweight adventure bike segment.
We spend a weekend doing giant loops to find out why. Feature Stories: Lindstrom Lens, WMX Center Stage, Banned by Dakar, and More (above Features section)
46 — HITS & MISSES
More Read
One-fourth of the 21st century is already behind us.
Are we where we should be? Have we gone too far? Let’s look back and find out. 64 — BANNED BY DAKAR
Once upon a time, you could ride the most outlandish motorcycles in the Dakar Rally. No one foresaw bikes like the KTM 950 Rally.
Scot Harden tells a story of wanton excess. 74 — THE LINDSTROM LENS
We are only two full generations from the very beginning of motocross in America. Lars and Gunnar Lindstrom have seen it all—and created some of it. 80 — TERMINAL VELOCITY
Motorcycle guys point at skydivers and say, “Those guys are nuts.” Skydivers point the other way and say, “Those guys are really nuts.” Maybe they’re both right. 92 — WMX, CENTER STAGE
Women’s motocross in the United States has never attracted so much attention and so much talent. Who’s who?
Who’s winning? Who’s from where? Meet the ladies of MX. 100 — OFF-ROAD REPORT
Summer break is here, but it’s not much of a break. Off-road racing is a year-round activity in America, and it’s heating up.
DEPARTMENTS
8 — Saddle
10 — Focus Points
18 — Raw Files
22 — Roost
30 — Riders Write
98 — Subscription Info
106 — New Products
108 — Mr. Know-It-All
114 — Back in the Day
